Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

oh Sheila, he is soooo amazing , those eyes just suck you in. With that please take me home look he will have no trouble finding a new hug to call home and I'm sure his new Mom/Dad will pay big $$$$ to have him join there collection. 
You did a wonderful job :clap:  :clap: 
hugs Deborah

Hey Beary Pals,
How the heck is everyone doing, been a mighty long time since I have popped into TT.  Just wanted to show off my two critters I just finished up for the Idex Charity auction.  Mindy was so gracious to accept my offer of a bear, I hope these guys bring in mucho bucks for the kids.

I'm a bit disappointed that these two fellas didn't turn out how I in-visioned them but what can ya do, when time is flying and the sewing isn't ya just gotta keep on keeping on and hope they don't suck too bad, and someone out there falls in love with them.  I'm just thrilled that I managed to get them done in time and that they will be making a very important journey wish I could join them, but that won't be in the cards for me.  I had to pull out of the TBAI show so I'm glade at least some of my guys will make it to the US even if I won't.

Any who here is Grady and his pal Digger, thanks for taking a peek.
Hugs Deborah

Hey all you beary Pals,
I know my show and tell is a bit late but I thought you all would enjoy seeing my sweet surprise.

It all started when I went to get my mail a few weeks ago, expecting more BILLS, I was taken aback when I opened my mail box to find a large brown envelope address to moi.  HMMMM very suspicious, I didn't buy anything from Australia or did I? Was I sleep bidding on eBay again, I hate when I do that kind of explains all those BILLS though. 

Curiosity got the best of me and I ripped and teared at the mysterious package right there on the road, Well to my complete surprise this little amazing peachy gal named Alice jumped right out at me and stole my heart. 

I know amazing isn't she just a doll. The real doll though is the wonderful TTer you may have heard of her Vicki of Baggaley Bears  :crackup:  Silly Vicki went and sent  little ole me one of her very special kids with out even tell in me.  I have never been on the receiving end of such a precious gift that when I saw who Alice was from I just burst out in tears okay It was more like blubbered like a baby.  Alice was so unexpected and welcomed (she came on a dark day but Vicki must have packaged up some brightness with her for she lifted my spirit and brought some much needed sunshine into my morning)

How can you have a crappy day with this little gal looking at ya, impossible.  Now if you haven't seen one of Vicki's mini works of art in the fur you are missing out on pure perfection.  I don't know how she does it but that is one big bear stuffed into one very tiny body. I just love Little Alice and she sits and inspires me to get cracken and get to work creating my own furry fella's. 

Thank you so much Vicki for your kind and generous gift I will treasure Alice always for she is proof to me that angels do exist  and I have had the fortune of meeting one, okay I know we only talk on TT but I feel I know you all the same.

Hope you all enjoyed meeting Alice
Hugs Deborah

O my goodness I think I peed my pants :redface: this is just to funny, I'm still giggling.
Thanks for sharing
Hugs Deborah

Wow I just love how you have displayed your cards Dilu, what a nifty idea. I don't have any other cards but my own and those I have stashed in a yucky plastic folder. If I had other artists ACt's I would make a pretty book of some sort to show them off, oooooh I feel an idea coming on......... I got some( 2 lonely cards) that I can't seem to get rid of (maybe they are to ugly and no one is willing to tell me ) anyone up for a trade.  That way I can start my very own ATC collection and have someone else's work to gaze at.  If this isn't the right spot for this kind of post please no one take offence, and direct me where to go, OKAY not there from what I hear it's way to hot.... :crackup:
I can post pictures of them if anyone is interested
Anywho better scat got work to do, like making bears is really work :crackup:
Hugs everyone Deborah

Hey beary pals this has been fun :dance:  I know sounds kinda silly, who knew giving away my junk would be so rewarding.  Your appreciation has brought a worm fuzzy feeling to my heart, I think I got more from this than you all.

I'm pleased as punch that everyone can use this stuff cause it was collecting some very scary looking dust bunnies in the bottom of my fabric closet.
 
And for those of you worried about shipping, and wanting to reimburse me.  Well you guys just put that silly thought right out of your Bary heads and sit back and just enjoy your stuff, I'll get ya next time    

Possessions are like grains of sand: we can fill our pockets with them or share them to create a beautiful beach. ( I didn't write this quote but thought it was fitting)  I hope this gift has helped a wee bit, in starting a beautiful beach.

Take care everyone
Hugs Deborah

You are all very very welcome,
Hugs Deborah

Hey all you beary pals,
Just want to let everyone who managed to grab a piece of the free mini fabric that it has left the building.  Took it to the post office this morning, should reach everyone within 10 business days give or take a few months, after all we are talking Canada post :twisted:  Hope everyone can use this stuff if not don't feel that you have to hang on to it, I have no problem with anyone passing it on.
Would love to see what y'all manage to create with it.
Have fun
Deborah Burnham

Hey Beary Friends
Well Hubby just did the honours and picked a name from the hat for the special surprise package..... Drum Roll Please and the name picked for this package is ..........ANN MALONE YAHOO!!!!! :clap: So you my dear will be getting something extra groovy, and I ain't going to spill the beans, so no asking. You'll just have to wait and see what ya get. 

Melissa- I know the picture looks like the vintage long pile but I'm sad to inform everyone it is not, I have many pieces of the long pile and this isn't it.  However it is vintage but not the long shiny good stuff this is more stiff and fuzzy.  The backing is different than the grid backing on the long pile, though I don't think this stuff Frey's either, I would still use Frey check.

Any who this has been fun will be getting the packages ready and hope to have them in the mail in the next few days.  I'm covering shipping so no need for anyone to worry, just sit back and enjoy, and keep your peepers on your mail box.
Take care guys would love to see what you all can create from this fun fuzzy stuff.
Hugs Deborah

WOW!!!! I knew I'd have some jumpers but didn't think I would get this many responses.   I think that's the most PM's I have ever gotten in all my time here on TT, makes me feel like a rock star I unfortunately will have to close the doors on this freebe offer for the time being.  This has been fun and I'm sure mom will continue to send stuff so keep your peepers open for more give aways in the future.  I'm in the process of PM ing everyone and hope to have the packages in the mail in the next few days.  I will do the draw for the special surprise pack and post the winners name.
Hope everyone who receives this fabric isn't disappointed cause it ain't the good Vintage long pile but fun fuzzy stuff that might work or might not.
Hugs to all
Deborah

Hey beary pals,
Yup you read it right I'm trying to pawn off some of my mini fabric.  My mom picks up most of my mini fabric for me, she has better luck getting the good stuff than I do. Some times however she picks up fabric that would be great for minis but it is not the wonderful stuff we all would kill for you know the Vintage Long pile.  I don't have the heart to tell her that this isn't really what I'm looking for cause she tries so hard, but now I'm stuck with all this fabric and I won't be able to use it in a million years.

So here is where TT comes in.  If any of you mini bear makers could use some vintage not so long but fuzzy pile, Big Bird yellow mini fabric then give me a shout.  I have 8 pieces that I'm going to pass around to anyone who thinks they could use it for free you heard me for FREE!!!!!!  :dance:
Now this stuff is very soft and fuzzy but not the really long pile good fabric, it has a weaved backing but not like the long pile. Each piece is about 26"x 15" give or take a few inches.  I haven't tried to use it myself so not sure if it will even work for a mini but I thought why not see if anyone could find a use for it, beats sitting in my studio collecting dust.

So if your interested please PM me and send your mailing address.  I only have eight pieces cut and cleaned at the moment( comes washed and form a smoke free home, however I do have pets and they like to help me pack things up so please excuse any extra stray hairs).  I will be taking names as they come in, first come first gets...... I will then put every ones name in a hat and whomever name I pick you will get a extra special surprise :clap:  :clap: Yahoo I love surprises.

Now get those name in
Hugs Deborah

Just want to say a big thank you to Cheryl, Dilu, Patsy, Nancy, Gladys, Danni and Tami for sending such wonderful Valentines Cards they really made going to the mail box a whole lot more exciting. I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentines day and received tons of hugs and kisses and better yet more chocolate.  Can't wait for the next card swap this was so much fun.  I hope my cards have found their way to their recipients.
Hugs to all
Deborah Burnahm
of Bearhaven Bears

Hi All,
I to am fortunate to have some regular bear adopters and can't believe my lucky stars that these people seem to have endless room in their hugs for just one more Bearhaven Bear. 
I always add a hand written note to the shipping box when mailing my bears out and I sometimes take care of the shipping cost if the bear brings in more $$$ than I hoped for, not that this happens often. It's the least I can do if someone is willing to part with their hard earned money. 
I have even made a bear and secretly sent it to a very dear customer of mine for free( no adoption fees or nothing) she didn't even know he was coming.

Bearhaven Bears some times do that go for a walk on their own and show up on unsuspecting customers doors form time to time, looking for a new hug to call home. I send a card along with them telling them how much I appreciate their business, I hope it makes their day and not stress them out, EEEE gads not another Bearhaven Bear what the heck am I suppose to do with this.  I guess I will never make big bucks doing this but sometimes $$$ aint everything.
Hugs to all
Deborah

Hey Beary pals,
I guess this fella didn't receive the memo BOYS DON"T DO GIRLY BLING!!!! Okay I know some do ( and I love them for it) and that is what I adore about bears they don't care about fashion rules and neither do I, so bring on the bling.
This guy is my latest fella, I will be listing him on eBay latter this week, but I think I will let him hang out on my new web site www.bearhavenbears.com for a few days.  Like how I slipped in my web page there  My web master has been working real hard and now I finally have a place to show off my guys, YAHOO!!!! So if you have the time please stop by for a visit, we are still working on things but you get the gist of my work.
Hugs to all
Deb 

Hi Shelli,
I just got my page up and running would love to swap links, you will be my very first.
Bearhaven Bears
Deborah Burnham
www.bearhavenbears.com

A big round of applause for everyone who was nominated. Enjoy the moment and be proud you all deserve it.   Great job guys -TTer's rule!!! :clap:  :clap:
Hugs Deborah

This sounds like a fun one I think I'll join in too.
Hugs Deborah

Ah you guys Im truly overwhelmed by all your lovely comments regarding this fella. I guess I need to take a look at him through the eyes of others, give the poor fella a chance.  All I can see is struggle and frustration and many tears and whining ( I don't want to doooo this bear, that's what my hubby had to listen to for months) I really don't do well with commissions especially commissions from family, they are the hardest to complete.  Lots of deep rooted issues at the bottom of this one maybe that was my struggle, shouldn't take it out on the bear cause he is kinda cute in all his greenness.
I hope I didn't offend all you green lovers out there, I'm not anti green by no means.  To tell you the truth green is one of my favorite colours and I have rooms in my house painted green just not this green.  I guess it wasn't the colour that stressed me but who I was making him for, I know my ma will love him and I'm glad I was able to put things aside and finish him up for her. 

Hey Gail- the show I'm getting ready for is the 2007 TBAI show in New York (and I just launched my web page Yahoo!!! finally so I'm trying to hord bears for that too.) I know it is not until Aug but for once in my life I'm not going to put things off until the last second, I'm planing ahead this time. :crackup: Will see how I pull it off.  I haven't done Marks show for a year now and I do miss them he puts on a great show but I can only do one show a year and this one in New York is fantabulis.

Anywho thanks guys for taking a peek and making me see this fella through different eyes.
Hugs Deborah

Hi all,
I have been struggling with this blasted bear for months , yahoo I'm finally finished. :dance:   My mother has been after me like forever to make her another bear (lost count on how many of mine she has) I got her to chose some mohair when she came to visit me in the summer,  Little did I know she would pick green mohair UGGGG not a colour I would not have chosen in a zillion years. I found it hard to strum up some excitement when it came time to start this critter.  I told her she would have him by Christmas well xmas has come and gone and he just left for his new home this morning, I have never managed to get my parents gifts to them in time maybe next year.  I haven't made a thing in months this guy has really taken it's toll on me I hope the bear making spark returns soon cause I have a show to get ready for.
Anywho here he is in all his ugggly green loveliness. :crackup:

hugs deborah

Hey beary pals,
I decided to root through my mini fabric drawer, haven't been in there forever boy do I have way too much stuff.  Considering I haven't made a mini bear in eons, I had to ask myself what the ding dang am I hangin on to this stuff for anyway, it's not like I'm gonna use it all.

So I came to the conclusion it's time to let some of this stuff find a new home.  Like the wise and greedy bear maker that I am I listed this stuff WHERE ELSE but eBay :redface: There is 11 large pieces in the lot 2 being the ever difficult to find eggshell. If your interested in taking a peek my eBay id is bh.bears.

Hugs Deborah

Thanks Edie, you saved me some reading :lol:

Dang!!! now what the heck am I gonna do?  I thought I had all my bases covered.  I used to bring my contest bears in to the Super Store photo studio for their shots and that got very $$$ and they  didn't always do a great job, plus I prefer to shot my own work, control freak here.   

I think your info on the do it yourself kiosk is fantastic I'm now confident with the quality  and I'm willing to take a risk and use those photo's, next competition I enter unless I can find a professional in my area who takes great shots at a reasonable price.   They don't call me el cheapo for nothin ya know.
Hugs Deborah

Edie, I've used those do it yourself store printers myself and I thought they did a bang up job.  For me if the print is just for myself or my brag book I would continue to use this process, but maybe back up my photo's on a disc for down the road.

When sending in photo's for contests I will use this process as well but also send in a disc with the photo's too, I did this for the article in Teddy Bear and Friends (Oct 2006).  It is very easy to transfer your pictures to a disc, I had 2 photos of each bear on the disc.  My cleaned up version and the raw picture that way the editors had the choice to clean them up themselves.  Like I'm really going to make it to nomination stage, but one can dream.  

SHELLI- I questioned the durability of those do it your self photo's myself I'm glad to know I was on the right track, your info has just cemented my gut feeling.  I will take my own advice and back every thing up on disc.  However I'm sure 10 years down the road I'll look back at the bears I thought worthy of preservation and think to myself what the ding dang was I thinking these guys are so not me, why on earth did I save theses photo's :photo:   I do that now when seeing my old bears, uggggg please someone tell me those aren't mine.
 
I hope I'm under the right assumption that for the contest you can submit your photo's in disc format.  I don't want to steer anyone in the wrong direction, I just know they accepted my disc for the article. I think I'm going to go and read my contest rules over to make sure, I have been known to be wrong before  

Hugs Deborah

Krista  must have been that extra large Tim's I just snorted down that got me here first :crackup: Hugs Deb

Hi Gail,
If they are paying with a postal money order it is the pink one, not the green one.  It should say international on it.  I had someone pay me with a US money order and thank goodness I live only 20 minutes from the US border other wise I would have been out big $$$$.  I just went over to Ogdensburg and cashed it at the post office. 
hope this helps
Hugs Deborah

Tammy It's great fun isn't it :dance: seeing just how creative we can be to get the look we want.  Nothing beats a well loved bear, no matter what aging process we choose to use, I think I'll give the singed hair one a try, better have the fire department on stand bye for this one  
Hugs Deborah